“Now Sit Down”

“Now Sit Down” – Note

This trial film tells the story of a jury made up of 12 men as they deliberate the guilt or acquittal of a defendant on the basis of reasonable doubt, forcing the jurors to question their morals and values. In the United States, a verdict in most criminal trials by jury must be unanimous.

The film is notable for its almost exclusive use of one set: out of 96 minutes of run time, only three minutes take place outside of the jury room.

12 Angry Men explores many techniques of consensus-building and the difficulties encountered in the process, among a group of men whose range of personalities adds intensity and conflict.

No names are used in the film; the jury members are identified by number until two of them exchange names at the very end. The defendant is referred to as “the boy” and the witnesses as “the old man” and “the lady across the street”.

12 Angry Men – “Now Sit Down” – Library of Congress

In 2007, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

The film was selected as the second-best courtroom drama ever by the American Film Institute during their AFI’s 10 Top 10 list, and is the highest courtroom drama on Rotten Tomatoes’ Top 100 Movies of All Time.

Quite possibly Danny DeVito’s best performance. This clip takes place at the end of the movie between Phil and Bob. I recommend watching the whole film to truly appreciate the discussion about character and honesty.

Big Kahuna Character Dialogue – Note

This is quite possibly Danny DeVito’s best performance. This clip takes place at the end of the movie between Phil and Bob. I recommend watching the whole film to truly appreciate the discussion about character and honesty.

In his Last Will, Freddie Mercury left the vast majority of his wealth, including his home and recording royalties, to Mary Austin, and the remainder to his parents and sister.

Mary Austin continues to live at Mercury’s home, Garden Lodge, Kensington, with her family.

Last Wills – Freddie Mercury – Bio

Born September 5, 1946 – Died November 24, 1991British Singer/Songwriter/Record Producer/Lead Vocalist and Co-Principal Songwriter of the rock band Queen.

Last Wills – Freddie Mercury – Mary Austin

In the early 1970s Mercury had a long-term relationship with Mary Austin, whom he had met through guitarist Brian May. He lived with Austin for several years in West Kensington.

By the mid-1970s, however, the singer had begun an affair with a male American record executive at Elektra Records, which ultimately resulted in the end of his relationship with Austin.

Mercury and Austin nevertheless remained close friends through the years, with Mercury often referring to her as his only true friend.

In a 1985 interview, Mercury said of Austin, “All my lovers asked me why they couldn’t replace Mary [Austin], but it’s simply impossible. The only friend I’ve got is Mary and I don’t want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, that’s enough for me.”

Last Wills – Freddie Mercury – “Love of my Life”

Freddie Mercury also wrote several songs about Mary Austin, the most notable of which is “Love of My Life”.

Introduced during the “News of the World” Tour in 1977, “Love of My Life” was a concert favorite.